Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008 has come and has gone. It was an odd Christmas for me. Although financially 2008 has been very good we have retired all of our debts and are saving for our kid's college so I'm not really feeling wealthy at that moment. But this meant that Christmas gifts were few and simple. I just couldn't get into the Christmas spirit until I walked down stairs Christmas morning and saw the beautiful snow falling outside and it was everything I could do from crying. I softly thanked God for sending His Son and that I could enjoy his friendship.

Family time was good. Lots of laughter and amazement. I have a relative who recently has gotten very excited about the Lord and it has been wonderful to see her zeal and hunger for God. Her presence makes me ponder my own walk with God. Is my walk fresh? Is it growing? Am I feeling close to the Lord or distant? Am I walking in love and compassion for others? I felt very drawn to her yet repulsed by my own struggle within myself. Ever felt that way? Being around her brought me to realize that there must be some changes within me this coming year. I don't want to stay the same. I want to grow and move on with life.

Christmas has always been the anchor where I am profoundly thankful for my wife, my kids and my family and friends. But Jesus is not something that I just hold in my hand and admire he always is moving forward...challenging me to change and grow. So while Christmas 2008 is over the call of God to move forward is not. I don't want to see the same person in the mirror in 2009.